Chapter 13 - The Meeting at the Bank
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The flight to Switzerland was a blur of luxury and high-altitude strategy. Adrien briefed his team of international lawyers while Norah sat quietly, turning the brass key over and over in her hand.
When they arrived at the massive, imposing stone facade of the Zurich private bank, Adrien’s security detail moved flawlessly, securing the perimeter before Norah even stepped out of the car.
They were escorted to a private, underground viewing room lined with steel. A severe-looking Swiss banker in a tailored suit examined the brass key through a jeweler's loupe, checking the serial number against a digital ledger.
“Everything is in order, Miss Bennett,” the banker said with a crisp nod. “Box 409.”
He led them down a corridor of metal boxes, inserted a master key, and allowed Norah to insert hers. With a heavy clack, the steel door swung open.
Norah reached inside and pulled out a heavy metal lockbox. They carried it back to the viewing room.
When she opened the lid, she didn't find stacks of cash or diamonds. She found a single, thick stack of parchment paper bound in leather, and a handwritten letter addressed to her.
Norah broke the wax seal on the letter.
My dearest Norah,
If you are reading this, then you have grown into the woman I always knew you would be. Your father is a weak man who will destroy what our family built. The papers in this box are the absolute bearer shares of the Bennett Luxury Group. Whoever holds these papers holds the company. I trust no one but you. Do not let them take your crown.
Love, Grandma Sofia.
Norah felt a tear slip down her cheek. She wasn't just the curvy girl in the background. She was the rightful heir to an empire.
Adrien’s lawyers quickly examined the bearer bonds. The lead attorney smiled viciously.
“They are perfectly legal and fully binding, Boss,” the lawyer said to Adrien. “Miss Bennett officially owns sixty-two percent of the Bennett Luxury Group.”
Adrien looked at Norah, his eyes blazing with dark pride. “What do you want to do with your company, mia bella?”
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Norah wiped her tears away, her expression hardening into something that looked terrifyingly like a mafia queen.
“I want to crash a board meeting.”
